Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I appreciate everyone’s prayers for the message I presented at both services in the prison last night.  Evidence of the power of prayer – the men stayed engaged as we walked through every verse of John 20 (the empty tomb and Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, then the disciples).  The volunteers told me even the inmate who is typically a disruption (he sits in the back row talking) was paying attention.  That had little to do with me, I consider it ongoing fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 55:11.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11, KJV)

He even thanked us at the end for bringing the Word.  God’s Word is indeed alive and powerful!

After teaching through scripture and giving an invitation to accept Christ, I commissioned every inmate to spread the Good News to everyone (Mark 16:15) by telling their own story of salvation to men back on the cell blocks.  I challenge us all to do the same in our communities, especially since Christ himself directed us to do it (more a command than an option) in Mark 16 and Matthew 28.

A shout out with thanks to my brother Phil Taylor who took over the prayer time last night since I brought the message.  He collected and prayed through the prayer requests below.  And thanks to all of you for doing your part in lifting up in prayer these men and their requests throughout the week.  One inmate even commented last night how much it means to him that others are praying for him.  Never underestimate the importance of this part of the ministry.  God bless you!

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Buddy– for all the men in the room to make it out of here and get back to our families, and a former cellmate who was acquitted and still waiting to be released.  Also pray for all the unbelievers.
• Luke– forgiveness for a year of bad decisions that led to a second DUI and ruined marriage.  Thank God my wife isn’t seeking divorce, and I pray not to lose my job.  I pray for a second chance to save my marriage, for my wife to have a softened heart not just for me but for Christ, and pray for my 3 kids.
• Ross– I’m from Florida and going through a lot, pray that everything will work out OK, that I would be released without probation, and find a place to live in Florida when I get out of here.
• Angel– I feel as though I’m treated like an animal in here, pray to get out of this place.  Also pray for my family, especially younger brother who needs a kidney.  Also pray for my father, and for my fiancé to not go back to her old ways of drug addiction.
• John– that my application to seminary in Philadelphia would come through.
• Thomas– continued sobriety, and for acceptance from my family, especially my grandkids.
• (name not given)– for the children of the world.
• Dave– for my children, and a good outcome of my case.
• Shaun– for my daughter and two grandsons.
• Demonte– my family and loved ones, and everything to go well with my case.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Chris– for my daughter Stormy and my wife Mariah to find their way.
• Oscar– for my upcoming hearing, and for all the people on the cell blocks. Also want to pray for my enemies.
• Maurice– for my friend Latisha to have joy and happiness in her life.
• Dean– for my family, and for me to have Spiritual knowledge and understanding.
• Bo– that everyone here would accept Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, and that we can all find strength from the Lord to endure, and to have faith.
• Dan T– for my friend whose 18-year-old son committed suicide and he blames himself for the harsh way he treated him.  He is in counseling sessions in Florida, and I pray God would touch his heart and he can learn to forgive himself.
• Chris– for the people back on the block.
• Phil T– for my son-in-law Alan who cut up his finger really badly.  Not just for his physical healing, but that he would also yield to Jesus and also lead his family to Christ.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Prayers for all the preparations going into hosting the Annual Banquet for Onesimus Ministries on Oct 27.

For Chairman Vernon on the Onesimus Ministries board dealing with some personal health issues.

Bless the staff of Chester County Prison working long hours and many shifts due to shortages, and for their families who are also impacted.

Blessings of wisdom, daily strength and endurance for our wonderful prison chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich who serve many inmates and staff members each day. 

Please continue to lift up the aftercare ministries across Chester County ministering to recently released women and men, helping them rebuild a new life after incarceration.  Pray that these ministries have an abundance of the resources they need and that many hearts would be touched and healed in the name of Christ Jesus.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Monday Night Prison Fellowship team is excited to welcome 11 new volunteers from 2 different churches, but all of us in the same Body of Christ.  We prayed to the Lord of the harvest and He provided!  Some may be called into the prison to minister on Monday Nights, while others called to pray for the incarcerated men and women.  In either case, we are thrilled for them to join the team.  Welcome one and all!

During the two worship services in the prison chapel last night, the team focused on who is Jesus, is He really God, and did He really rise from the dead?  We can’t always tell who accepts Christ into their life for the first time, but I love that we give an invitation each week.  When the Word of God is preached, you never know whose hearts may be stirred by the Holy Spirit!  And it’s always great to welcome new souls into the Kingdom of God.  What an honor it is to be the hands and feet of God in that place.

Please keep me in prayer as I prepare the message for next week.  For the past few weeks I’ve felt God’s prompting to teach through John 20.  I can now see how my message will continue last night’s teaching on the resurrection of Christ.  It’s almost as if there is a greater plan in place – ya think?

God is so good.  I love it when He does things like that.

Prayer time in last night’s services kicked off with the first half of Psalm 20, followed by lifting up to the Lord the men’s prayer requests that are listed below.

Psalm 20

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.

    May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

2 May he send you help from his sanctuary

    and strengthen you from Jerusalem.[a]

3 May he remember all your gifts

    and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude

4 May he grant your heart’s desires

    and make all your plans succeed.

5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory

    and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

    May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Please keep all the men and women in CCP, along with their heart cries illustrated below, in your prayers throughout the week.  Thanks for your involvement in this ministry, and may our great God bless you richly this week!

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Corey– all of my loved ones, and those less fortunate.
• Bernard– to be released soon, and thankful for the volunteers coming out each week.  I wanted to meet God here tonight.
• Forrest– for my lawsuit and real estate, and successful outcome of my case.
• Ross– for my kids and my family going through a lot – my Mom just passed away.
• Amir– for family, especially my Aunt.
• Thomas– for my family’s forgiveness and acceptance.
• Joshua– for my family.
• Mark– prayers for myself, my girlfriend, my family, and everyone in here.  Also leniency in my case.
• Dave– for my children, my significant other, leniency in my case coming up, and for everybody in here and on the outside.
• Ron– for release from this prison soon, since I’ve already beat my case and just waiting for Sherriff department transfer.  Also thankful for 2nd chances and God’s help with my anger.
• John– to get back to school and for my family.
• Josh– for my family, and for direction in my life.
• Cory– repentance, forgiveness, and overcoming the temptations of the devil..

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Dave– my niece’s daughter was born premature and already had one heart surgery.  She’s 2 years old and has another heart surgery on Oct 18.
• Rob– everyone’s health in here.
• Ken– for friends, family, and our kids on the outside having a tough time.
• Bo– that everyone here receives a good message tonight, for everyone to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, for my family and friends, and that God would stay near and dear to my heart.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Praying for everything to come together and for a wonderful Annual Banquet for Onesimus Ministries on Oct 27.

For two of the Onesimus Prison Ministry board members dealing with some personal health issues.

Continued prayers for volunteer Dan’s 94-year-old mother-in-law struggling with health and longing to go home to Jesus.  Also continued prayers for volunteer Andy’s family grieving the loss of his mother June.

Please continue to lift up the staff of Chester County prison and their families dealing with long work hours due to staff shortages.

Ongoing prayer for our wonderful prison chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich serving so many inmates and staff each day.  Lord, grant them the drive and passion to show the love of Christ in a very real way to all those they come in contact with.

For aftercare ministries in Chester County serving recently released women and men as they rebuild a new life after prison.  May the ministries flourish and the clients each experience God’s love in setting up new habits and basing their lives on the firm foundation of Christ.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Monday night team is almost back to pre-pandemic strength, with 6 volunteers covering both services.  The big difference is that prior to the break, the first and second services were covered by different teams.  Until we can further build up the team, we’re all doing “double duty”.  Please pray with us for more laborers.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

God already knows what we need, but I think He likes us to ask anyway to demonstrate our reliance upon Him, and to remind us how good He is to us (all the time).

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:7-8)

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. (1 John 5:14-15)

In fact, God has been answering that prayer in that we have a number of new volunteers going through the clearance/investigation process right now.  That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will be approved, plus we’ve all seen volunteers in the past who come a few times then decide this ministry is not for them.  So please keep the team in prayer for strength and longevity in our volunteer pool.

We had another set of good services last night, and the prayer requests are below.  Our prayer time was kicked off with an excerpt from Psalm 18.

To the faithful you show yourself faithful;

    to those with integrity you show integrity.

To the pure you show yourself pure,

    but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.

You rescue the humble,

    but you humiliate the proud.

Lord, You have brought light to my life;

    my God, you light up my darkness.

In your strength I can crush an army;

    with my God I can scale any wall.

God’s way is perfect.

    All the Lord’s promises prove true.

    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

For who is God except the Lord?

    Who but our God is a solid rock?

God arms me with strength,

    and he makes my way perfect.

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

    leading me safely along the mountain heights.

He prepares me for battle;

    he strengthens me to draw a bronze bow.

You have given me the shield of your salvation.

    Your right hand supports me;

    your gentleness has made me great.

You have made a wide path for my feet

    to keep them from slipping. (Psalm 18:25-36)

Thank you for praying for the inmates, their families, and these requests each week. Your ministry to them is so important, and you are blessing them more than you know.  May God bless you as well.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Corey– family, love, perseverance, and God’s help to make it through this storm – my wife and I just had a baby with serious complications (in NICU for several weeks and pulled through), and they thought we did something to the baby but it was birthed wrong.  So thankful for my wife and the love I have for both of them.
• Bernard– having a lot of physical pain, needing strength in the Lord
• Brandt– for my niece with 2 babies – their house burned down.
• John– for the non-Christians in my family, and my sister who is a single mom with 4 kids. Also want to pray for the victims of the Russia/Ukraine war.
• Eric– for my family, and that all goes well with my trial on the 25th.
• Kevin– for my 5 kids and for my grandmother on hospice.
• Dave– for my children, my girl, and for forgiveness.
• Phil T– for volunteer Andy and his family on the loss of his mom recently, thankful she knew the Lord.
• Thomas– for my 2 granddaughters.
• Phil T– for a couple at church- Thomas and Josie- who just miscarried their first child.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Maurice– for my ex-wife Tanya going through some stuff.
• Clarence– thankful for the volunteers that come out each week, prayers for our families and that all of our situations work out.
• John– for all the upcoming court dates, for my cellmate Oscar, and for all of our health and wellbeing.
• Chris– that everyone finds their way.
• Bo– thankful for the volunteers, for wellbeing of families and kids of all of us here, and for me- that God would stay close and help me with my situation.
• Ken– for our families, our children, and especially my fiancé’s son in the hospital.
• Daryl– that we would all be encouraged to depend on God more, and that we could all be more positive with each other.
• Dan T– for our country that has drifted far away from God, kicking Him out of our schools and government, may all Christians boldly stand for and speak the truth of the Gospel.
• Dave– God has me here in a “time out” so I can draw closer to Him.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Thankful that the escaped convict was recaptured without any shots fired or injuries to law enforcement officials, and that residents can feel safe again.

Thankful for all the dedicated law enforcement teams that came together and worked tirelessly for 2 weeks to accomplish the mission.

Continued prayers for families of a few Onesimus Ministries board members.  Strength and wisdom for Dan’s family caring for his 94-year-old mother-in-law.  And for Andy’s family grieving the loss of his mother June.

Prayers for the staff of Chester County prison and their families as staff must work long hours due to shortages.  Pray for staff shortages to be relieved and regular working hours to return.

For chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich serving inmates and staff each day, showing the love of Christ to everyone at the prison.

For the aftercare ministries that take good care of recently released men and women as they strive to maintain faith and discipline towards God’s Word and His will for their life.  May they be fruitful in their endeavors and may they enjoy ample resources and volunteers to get the job done.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I may not always admit when I’m wrong, but with God’s help I’m working on it. 

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)

I gave you some bad info last week and I apologize.  It was not the escaped convict situation that prevented us from being allowed into the prison last week, it was simply a staffing shortage due to the labor day holiday weekend.  The prison (like so many places these days) is already a bit understaffed, so when further strain like a holiday presents itself, non-mission critical activities are paused.  Since the holiday is over, we are again able to offer worship services like we did last night.

As more members of the Prison Fellowship team rejoin us, it extends our enthusiasm and thankfulness for being allowed back in.  Last night Erwin and Andy rejoined the team, and we got to experience through their eyes the excitement of returning after 3-1/2 years of restriction.  It was a joyous reunion we carried through the evening as a celebration of the Gospel and God’s goodness.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Prayer time during the services kicked off with the first 8 verses of Psalm 17:

O Lord, hear my plea for justice.

    Listen to my cry for help.

Pay attention to my prayer,

    for it comes from honest lips.

Declare me innocent,

    for you see those who do right.

You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.

    You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.

    I am determined not to sin in what I say.

I have followed your commands,

    which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

My steps have stayed on your path;

    I have not wavered from following you.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.

    Bend down and listen as I pray.

Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

    By your mighty power you rescue

    those who seek refuge from their enemies.

Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.

    Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

And once again, below are the prayer requests collected and prayed through at each service.  It really does warm their hearts to know that their requests are sent out to all of you and they are lifted up by many prayer warriors throughout the week.  You are a blessing to many!  Thank you!

If you know anyone else who’d like to join this prayer chain, please send them my way.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Dave– for a good outcome of my case and the cases of everyone in here, I hope to go home soon.
• Phil– my sister Heather is expecting any day now, and is considered a high-risk pregnancy.  Also want to pray for the guys in here and the ones not here that God would help us see positive blessings in such a negative place.
• John– for my private property to be returned to me.  Also pray for more miracles.
• Elwood– for everyone in here and the outcomes of our cases, and for our families and loved ones, and that I can get home soon.
• Ross– I’m from Florida and have lost everything- my house, my job, my money- because of a bogus case.  It’s really unfair what’s going on and I pray God would help me be restored.  Also mourning the loss of my Mom 12 years ago, and my Dad 22 years ago, that’s why I came to PA.
• Andy L– my nephew Doug just got out of  Bucks County prison, I pray he would stay away from drugs and misbehavior.
• John– for my friend’s relative in prison, that he would stay away from drugs and find God.
• Andy D– grace to get through a very stressful week after my Mom’s death, and peace to allow me to grieve her loss.
• Bernard– for everyone getting out of here to stay in the Word and find a church to belong to.
• Ron– my family and grandkids, and that once I’m released, I will never return to prison.  Praise God I was found not guilty last Friday and I’m going home.
• Eric– for my trial on the 26th.  Thank you God for waking me up today, and I pray you would watch over my family and friends.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Rob – my health and good health for everyone in here.
• Oscar– everyone on my block (and that they know Jesus).
• Maurice– for me (unspoken prayer request).
• Tyreek– my son.
• Ray– everyone here in this room and our families.
• Bo– for a good message tonight and everyone take something from it.  And for peace and strength for my family as we just lost my step-mother a few days ago.
• Bill– court tomorrow, and to get out of here.
• Dave– family and kids suffering for our mistakes
• Brian– for my girlfriend Marissa that all goes well with her heart issues, and for God to keep my 2 boys safe.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

For a speedy end to the manhunt for the convicted murderer who escaped from the prison, that he could be peaceably taken into custody, and local residents can feel safe again. We pray for the families of his victims, and his family as well.  And we pray for the safety and wellbeing of all the officers and others involved in the ongoing search efforts.

We continue to lift up the families of a few Onesimus Ministries board members.  Prayers of enduring strength and wisdom for Dan and his family as his 94-year-old mother-in-law is still hanging in there, but is ready to go home to heaven.  We also pray condolences and peace for Andy’s family on his mother June’s homegoing.  We rejoice she is now with our Savior, and lift up those left behind in their grief of her absence.

Continued thanksgiving for prison leadership allowing volunteers back into the prison and that the chapel is once again active.

Blessings on Chester County Prison staff and their families.

For our wonderful chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich to continue to serve with the Lord’s passion, strength, and wisdom all the inmates, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison. 

Last but never least, we pray for aftercare ministries serving the recently released men and women as they struggle to build a new life centered on Christ, yet with the label of ex-offender.  May others see them as God does – not by their outward appearance, but by their heart.  And may the ministries themselves have all they need to be effective for The Kingdom.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you may have seen in the news, a convicted murderer escaped from Chester County Prison a few days ago, and the manhunt is still going on.  Hundreds of law enforcement officers are searching the area and following up on any leads.  It should come as no surprise that Chapel services have been cancelled this evening due to this higher priority for the officers.

Please join me in prayer for all the people involved in the massive search effort, that they would remain safe, and that the suspect would soon be taken into custody.  We pray for a peaceful end to this ordeal, and pray that it would not have a lasting impact on our ability to continue worship services inside the prison.

In lieu of actual prayer requests from inmates (since services cancelled tonight), I’ve compiled a summary list of the prayer requests we seem to hear each week. Thank you for your prayers for the manhunt situation, the inmates, and the staff of Chester County Prison.  Have a blessed week!

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests (Summary from last 3 weeks):

• For our spouses/girlfriends/significant others
• For our families and friends, many going through a tough time without us
• For our children
• Healing of strained and broken relationships with family members
• Leniency and a positive outcome in upcoming cases
• The people of Florida affected by the hurricane.
• The people of Hawaii impacted by the wildfires
• For those getting out of prison to learn to stay in the Word and live life in accordance with God’s will
• Everyone’s health in here
• Help us to have faith
• For wisdom, guidance, and understand when reading the Bible
• For strength, hope, mercy, and grace

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

For the health and wellbeing of a few elderly parents of board members – Dan’s mother-in-law (94) whose health is failing and is ready to go home to Jesus, and for Andy’s mother (93) recovering from an operation and maybe looking at another one.

Thanksgiving for a good restart of worship services in the prison chapel, and fo rthe 3 weeks we’ve been able to minister in-person to the men.  Prayers that recent events would not preclude us from continuing worship services next week.

For Chester County Prison staff and their families affected by recent events and already working long hours due to staff shortages.

Enduring strength, wisdom, and health for our wonderful chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich, as they serve inmates, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison. 

We lift up the needs of various aftercare ministries out there, and pray they would continue ministering to recently released men and women.  May they have all they need to help ex-offenders get on (and stay on) the right path that God wills for them.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

While not yet back into our old groove in the Monday night services at Chester County Prison, they are getting better each week.  This was our third week back inside, and singing has improved dramatically now that our song leader has joined us again.  The first few weeks were a bit rough – definitely in the “joyful noise” category.  We look forward to next week when our guitarist will hopefully join us as well.  The team is slowly reuniting, and it’s really good to see those familiar faces we used to minster beside each week before all the covid shutdowns.

One thing that has remained consistent is the service style.  After distributing hymnals and Bibles throughout the pews in the chapel, we begin each of our two Monday night services by greeting each man as he comes in and finds a seat. Our team leader then kicks things off with a brief introduction of who we are and why we’re there – to worship our great God through prayer, song, testimony, and a message. 

Prayer time begins with active polling of attendees to solicit prayer requests. Once all requests are voiced and written down by yours truly, the prayer leader (typically me) goes up front, reads a short scripture selection, then prays through the list. After that, we grab a hymnal and ask the men to shout out song numbers they’d like to sing.  After a few songs, we settle into testimony time, where anyone in the room has the chance to stand up and speak about what the Lord is doing in their life.  Many weeks this is the most powerful time of the service, as hearts are laid bare, and men cry out from their pain to the Lord.  The final part of each service is a 20-25 minute Biblical message brought by one of the volunteers (we rotate turns each week).

As prayer leader, I ask God the night before to lead me to scripture (typically a Psalm) that I should read to the men.  I read through Psalms until one seems to resonate.  For last night’s service, it was Psalm 16:1-8

A psalm of David.

¹ Keep me safe, O God,

    for I have come to you for refuge.

² I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

    Every good thing I have comes from you.”

³ The godly people in the land

    are my true heroes!

   I take pleasure in them!

⁴ Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

    I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood

    or even speak the names of their gods.

⁵ Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

    You guard all that is mine.

⁶ The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

    What a wonderful inheritance!

⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.

⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.

    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Below are the prayer requests we prayed through during last night’s services.  The men are grateful that we share these with all of you, and are encouraged that many people pray for them and lift up their concerns.  Thanks as always for the vital part you play in this ministry – it’s a team effort!  May each of you have a blessed week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Dan T– my wife’s 94 year old mother’s health is failing.
• Andy D– my 93 year old mother just had an operation.
• Bernard– for strength in the Lord to not bow down to the culture, and to walk in God’s grace and stand for Him in the midst of whatever is going on.
• Joe – my best friend and her family
• Dave– positive outcome of my case in court on Friday, and for the peopl of Florida in the path of the hurricane.
• Mark– for the people of Hawaii impacted by the wildfires
• For all the people in here that need Jesus, which is everyone
• Family and friends, and my other half
• My court date next Tuesday, may there be leniency and mercy
• For those getting out of prison to learn to live life in accordance with God’s will
• For those getting out to not come back here
• I’m feeling really empty and drained, need a filling of the Holy Spirit
• Ricky– I leave tomorrow, pray for a fresh start, guidance and protection, and discipline to stay in God’s Word.
• Joe– for the volunteers, for strength and power to change hearts
• Andy L– thanks for Prison leadership allowing us back in
• Bernard– family and our children, especially my relationship with my daughter and son, that we could communicate again.
• Joe– pray for Bernard in a walker, that he would be healed and free of pain.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Rob – my health
• Bo– that each of us would take something good from tonight’s message
• Also, my significant other had a procedure today, pray for health and restoration
• Dan– just had a phone call with my wife tonight and she is very depressed.
• Nick– I want to know what it feels like to have blind faith
• Dave– family and kids, I’ve been in here several times dating back to 1998 – how do I stay out?
• For wisdom and guidance, and for discipline to stay in the Word, but I don’t understand the Bible when I read it, I need the Holy Spirit’s help
• Jeremiah– that things will get better, I have my court date tomorrow (Tuesday)
• For all the kids starting school this week
• Jonathan– for strength, hope, mercy, and grace
• Ken– my cellmate Damon went up to State prison, pray he will be home by Christmas
• For family and children
• Scott– for my family going through trials and tribulations
• Donovan– That God would reveal Himself to us, and grant us all wisdom, and perform miracles in our cases – give us awesome things in our lives.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Prayers of thanksgiving for positive attitudes we’ve encountered among the staff thus far, and praise to God for allowing us to come back in and minister in-person to inmates.

For all the staff of Chester County Prison who are working long hours due to staff shortages.

Please protect the health and wellbeing of everyone out at the prison, as fears of new covid strains and other illnesses circulate.  We also pray the doors would remain open to volunteers.

Thankfulness for our wonderful chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich being the hands and feet of God to all the inmates, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison.  May God bless them both with an ample supply of strength, endurance, and wellbeing as they minister in His name.

Prayers for the various aftercare ministries out there taking care of recently released men and women, to make sure they stay on the right path within God’s will, and formulate new habits to avoid returning to a place like prison.  May they enjoy an abundance of resources to complete the mission the Lord has laid upon their hearts.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Word is beginning to get around at the prison that Monday night services are back.  The men are joyful that we’ve returned and so grateful that we’re there, and they are telling others.  First service saw a 10% increase (up to 22 men) and second service saw a 61% increase (from 13 to 21).  It’s not just about the numbers, we just want more men to come out and hear the Good News.

I had the opportunity to share the message this week – first time I’ve preached back-to-back services.  An interesting challenge to deliver the same message with the same amount of passion to 2 different audiences.  We are trained to stick primarily to the core Gospel message each week, due to the transient nature of county inmates.    Unlike state prisons where ministry teams see the same men each week, we may only see a particular inmate one time, so we need to deliver the Gospel in every service. 

Since yesterday was my Dad’s birthday, the Lord had inspired me to bring a message about his influence on my life, and how he helped me see a bigger picture of God than I could have ever seen on my own. What made it even more interesting was the fact that I came from a long line of Roman Catholics (not to mention attending 12 years of Catholic school), and it was my lifelong catholic Dad that started me down a road to find true faith versus religion. The early part of my message unpacked this verse:

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)

I’m thankful the message seemed to resonate with the men, as I noticed even the back row stayed engaged.  And of course I’m thankful for each of you and the very important part you play in this ministry.  We covet your continued prayer and support for the chaplains, the Monday night team, and all the men and women we minister to at Chester County Prison.  God bless your week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):

• Dion – for everybody’s safety in here, even the snitches. And for the best possible outcome with all of our cases.
• Phil – for my sister to be doing well, having her 2nd baby next month.  And for forgiveness.  Also want to lift up all the people affected in the wildfires in Maui and in the tropical storms in California.
• Cody– for my two kids.
• Brant– for healing – recovery from a broken hip in a car accident.  For my family, and for my case.
• Mark– for family ,and to be able to get back in touch with them since it’s been a long time.  And for my wife, wherever she is, to have her head screwed on right – she thinks we have it easy in here and she has it much harder out there.
• Charles– I get out on Thursday and will be on probation.  I pray I will never come back here.
• Charlie– thankful for another day, and praying for better conditions in here.
• Dave– for a positive outcome on my case and all our cases.
• Mark – for all the sick and suffering.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Chris– court date coming up.
• Oscar– family back home.  And for everyone in prison (there are currently 2 million locked up).
• Rob– health
• Dan– my sister is due with her first baby in January, and having some difficulties.
• Jason– for better food in here. And for my family.
• Jonathan– forgiveness
• Bo– pray for everyone in here, and that we would receive something good in this meeting.
• Nick – for understanding and to be able to have blind faith.
• Jeremiah– that the justice system would work, and that each of us would do right when we’re out of here.
• Austin– please pray for the woman who stole my truck that I was living in.  And pray that these tablets would work so I can get my money back out (the prison uses iPads to keep track of accounts).
• Jacob– for my aunt and my Mom died from breast cancer.
• Dan– for my daughter Cecilia, we have not spoken in many years.  And for all the people on the outside doing stuff that leads here.
• Damon– I transfer to state prison for four months and I pray I could be home for Christmas.
• James– for those that accuse us, and I also pray for the person who stole my truck.
• Scott– for my wife who just lost her grandmother.
• William– for my wife.
• Dan T– for our country and our leaders.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Continued thanks and praise that we’re back to ministering in-person to inmates.  And thankful for the positive attitudes encountered with prison staff members so far.

Ongoing prayers for strength and wellbeing of our wonderful Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich, as they minister daily to inmates, staff, and families connected with CCP.

Please continue to lift up the aftercare ministries that disciple recently released men and women.  May God grant them all they need to be effective in doing His will.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I write this on Monday afternoon, we’re anticipating our first Monday night inmate services at Chester County Prison in over 3.5 years.  Last week was to be our first night back, but storms knocked out partial power at the prison, cancelling all evening activities.  Today’s TV weather report calls for the same thing tonight – during travel to the prison they expect strong thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.  Sure feels like the enemy doesn’t want us back out there lifting up the name of Jesus and preaching salvation available for sinners who would confess with their mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).

Our God is so much stronger than any storm, and His will be done.  Jesus demonstrated Lordship over nature when he commanded the wind and waves to cease from a boat in the middle of a storm.  I have no doubt He can do the same for the team going into the prison tonight, and we’ve asked Him for that in Jesus’ name.

We’re back from the prison! God positively answered many prayers to hold back the storms. In fact, I didn’t see even one storm warning on my weather apps.  God is so good. And for those of us He calls into prison ministry, the truth of Romans 8:28 was very evident last night.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This may sound funny, but it felt good to be back inside Chester County Prison.  The men that came out to the services were so happy to see us and commented how much it meant to them that we were there. It was a wonderful evening of prayer, singing, testimonies, and bringing them the Gospel message.  The turnout was better than expected, with 20 men at the first service and 13 at the second service.  No doubt the numbers will climb once word gets around that we’re back.

So, for the first time in 3-1/2 years, here are inmate prayer requests collected by the team during the Monday evening services in the prison chapel.  We ask their names so that you can pray for them by name, and they very much appreciate that we send out their requests to you.  Thank you for lifting these men up in prayer, and the things they care about. God bless you.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7pm service):

• Mark – for leniency and mercy in my case, and for my family and friends on the outside.
• Dion – for freedom, and for the best possible outcome for everyone’s cases.
• Phil – for another chance, and for my sister who will have her 2nd baby in 2 months – that Mom and baby would be healthy.
• Dave – for forgiveness.
• Bernard – for forgiveness, and peace throughout the cell blocks, and for our country that is in trouble.
• Scott – for my 3 children to be doing OK without Dad being there.
• Brandon – for mercy, and for a close friend who’s grandmother just died.
• Eric – for guidance.
• Charles – for redemption.
• Vincent – for a way out of here, and for my children, my grandchildren, and my brothers and sisters.
• Phil T – For my coworker Jesse with bladder cancer who can’t work.
• Wayne – for my girlfriend who is going through radiation therapy.
• Elwood – for my family and my girlfriend.
• Mario – for transformation.
• Nazir – for everybody in the jail.
• Andrew – for fairness.

Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)

• Nick – to be back with my family as soon as possible.
• Rob – my health.
• James – for those that accuse us, and for my Mom Carol who has tumors, pray they are not cancer, and pray for my sister.
• Jordan – for the guys back on the blocks and for my mother. And that I get released at my Friday court date.
• Donovan – for my family and friends back in Georgia, especially those involved in some feuds.
• Keith – for my friends and family back in Louisiana.
• John – that I would not lose my house.
• Dan – for my son, Dan jr. going to Sweden.
• Eric – for my family and my kids.
• Will – pray for everyone and their families, for my family and my significant other to receive and recognize God’s grace, and for my 2 young daughters to feel God’s love.
• Dan T – for our country and our leaders.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Ongoing thanks and praise to our great God for allowing volunteers back into Chester County Prison to minister in-person to inmates.

Continued prayers lifting up our wonderful Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich, may God bless them with everything they need as they minister to inmates, staff, and families connected with CCP.

For prison operations to run smoothly with volunteers back in the mix, and prison staff to be accepting of additions to the prison schedule as more volunteer teams get phased in during the upcoming months.

For various volunteer groups to be eager with anticipation of their return to prison ministry, and that God would bless them with the volunteers needed.

For the aftercare ministries who disciple recently released men and women, that they would be blessed with all the resources and volunteers needed to help former inmates build upon the foundation of Christ.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org